We had endorsed Ovide Lamontagne in the Republican Primary for NH Governor early in this election cycle; it is now time to roll out additional endorsements. We reviewed a number of races, talked with a number of candidates, reviewed objective ratings done by groups that mirror the ‘Grok philosophically (e.g., Republican Liberty Caucus of New Hampshire, NH House Republican Alliance, and HRA, New Hampshire Liberty Alliance), and then talked / voted amongst ourselves. Now, we are asking for your votes for them.
This cycle, we are endorsing Rick Parent to be the next US Congressman representing New Hampshire in the First Congressional District.
We first met Rick last cycle as he ran then as well – a nice guy but not sure of the process, what he had to do to be successful, how to articulate his positions, and the best ways to get his message out. We liked him as a person but really didn’t feel that it was his time – while his heart and his intent was there, he was not ready.
This time, he is better situated – and we believe that he is much improved! He has always been a Patriot – as Chief Engineer on a cargo ship that supplies our troops in the Middle East, he is a down to earth guy that knows the value of hard work and showing up. A plus for me – I wish MORE Engineers would run instead of just politicians looking for the next rung up the political ladder – he has spent years learning his craft in the private sector. I “get” his campaign tagline: “Engineering the future, one step at a time” – Go back to fundamental principles, consider the problem in the light of those principles, break the problem down to more manageable pieces, make sure those pieces will work individually and as a whole knowing that a SYSTEM is better than a point solution, and then roll it out incrementally instead wholesale changes. While politics is much less deterministic than engineering software, electronics, or hardware, the point of considering the whole and how even the smallest legislative changes can impact Society is a skill that many (if not most) politicians never learn. It is never good to start a runaway train…
Rick knows from personal experience what it is to get his hands dirty and keep things running – his is the responsibility to ensure that both the lives of his shipmates are safe and that our Armed Services get the supplies to keep them safe. He has spent his time in the Gulf better learning the issues and how to explain his stances based on the Constitution as “his system”. Oh yes, big time on the Constitution – and we believe that will not change just because the election is over. He understands that the Constitution is not just legal foundation but now IS our lifeboat.
We did an interview series with Rick Parent – links after the jump. Oh, and for those that remember that we endorsed someone else last time…
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Sometimes you like the stances that politician has. Sometimes, you may not like the stances but like the person. In this case, I am happy to say that I get to do both! I’ve known Phyllis Woods (running for NH State Senate in District 4) for a number of years now (since becoming politically active) and have found her to be a nice, thoughtful, caring lady with a spine of steel when it comes to standing tall. Over the last few years, she has worked on to recruit other Conservative ladies to run for office, encouraging with help on issues, campaigns, and other details necessary to be successful. She has been a constant face at Conservative events for years, lending her reputation, her presence, and (again) her encouragement to “the grassroots” in the Liberty & Freedom area as well. She is one of the hardest working folks I know – and she has been a mentor to me, at times, as well – always having a willing ear at the ready. She also has been a tireless worker within the Republican Party, having recently served as the RNC Committeewoman from NH (and helping to maintain NH’s stance as the First in the Nation Primary).
